Beckie Kronebusch of Plainview, Minn., stands next to the brand new kayak that she won in a recent contest. On June 30, 2020, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the second prize giveaway drawing of the summer, which was a brand new kayak. As the magazine celebrates 35 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless Area), they … [Read more...]
A new way to “Unwined” in Lanesboro
As summer gets into full swing, there is no better time to “unwined” when in Lanesboro, Minn., than a visit to Root River Unwined Wine Bar. The new and exciting business is just what people need to get out and explore something fun and relaxing. Owners Lori and Randy Rakosnik knew they wanted to purchase a building for their business somewhere in Minnesota, and after … [Read more...]
First winner of the summer
Elissa Johnsrud and her son Jackson, of Chatfield, Minn., stood next to their brand new kayak they won in a recent contest. On June 22, 2020, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the first prize giveaway drawing of the summer, which was a brand new kayak. As the magazine celebrates 35 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless … [Read more...]
Harmony woman cherishes doll she won at Preston’s Fourth of July celebration 84 years ago
Gloria Bergey of Harmony has many precious items she has collected through her life. Among her most cherished possessions is a doll she won in 1936 at Preston’s Fourth of July celebration. Just four years old at the time, the young daughter of Obert and Leona Garness, Gloria won the doll during the children’s parade of doll buggies, tricycles and pets. Gloria admits that … [Read more...]
Chatfield pool opens to everyone
The Chatfield City Council, after considerable debate, voted to open the swimming pool to everyone, at their June 16 special meeting. The motion was approved by a 4-1 vote (Mike Urban voted no). The pool will be open to everyone, the “Open to Chatfield School District Only” sign will be removed. Starting Friday June 19, everyone must have an account with MyRec and all funds … [Read more...]
Local businesses struggle with increasing meat prices
Why the increase in meat prices? U.S. consumers have not seen such a rapid increase in the price of food purchased to consume at home since February 1974. According to the Consumer Price Index report released on May 12, 2020, in one month, the food at home category raised 2.6% in April. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased the most, rising 4.3%. Conversations with Cody and … [Read more...]
Wilmington Township dairy farmers keep milking through bad times and good
Although milk prices aren’t the best right now, a Wilmington Township family keeps pressing on. “Something’s gotta change for the good,” said Mark Gerard, whose family has milked cows in the same place on Four Corners Rd. for half a decade. Gerard, who grew up on a hog and beef farm right down the road, met his wife, Dianne (Stoltz) at a scavenger hunt party when the two … [Read more...]
Salons and barbershops in a hairy situation
Since 5 p.m. on March 17, 2020, when Governor Walz announced that all hair salons and barbershops would need to close in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, most patrons never realized they wouldn’t reunite with their hair care specialist for nearly three months. Never in the history of America has there ever been a time when people can recall that it was … [Read more...]
Some Memorial Day ceremonies commenced
Memorial Day, the day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, was not forgotten. Out of 22 veterans organizations in Fillmore, Houston and Mower Counties, including American Legions, VFWs, and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, the majority of organizations canceled their programs amid concerns relating to the coronavirus and social … [Read more...]
Spring Grove resident Darrell Sinclair proof that life is a verb
Numerous sites on the world wide web defend the notion that life is a verb and not a noun. One such website, MBS Performance Counseling, argues that “life, as a noun, is a limiting way to define our existence.” Listening to 93-year-old Darrell Sinclair’s stories illustrates that he was an active participant in his life. Sinclair did not wait around for life to happen. He lived … [Read more...]